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Research data on human performance in weightless and lunar-gravity environment are considered on a single continuum of reduced traction. Apparent contradictions in the effects of reduced gravity on tasks requiring the use of the upper torso and those requiring locomotion are resolved. It is concluded that reduced traction systematically reduces the efficiency of work in all reduced-gravity conditions.

It is asserted that a group's moral center of gravity must be defeated in order to truly conquer that group. After differentiating between a group's operational & moral centers of gravity, it is argued that the Allied forces in WWI defeated Germany's operational center of gravity but failed to destroy its moral center. Similarly, it is contended that the US-led coalition that invaded Iraq in the First Gulf War defeated the Republican Guard but was unsuccessful in removing the nation's moral center (ie, Saddam Hussein). Guidelines for determining a group's moral center are subsequently provided, illustrating that a particular leader, ruling elite, or the general population can function as moral centers of gravity. Analysis of the US Civil War revealed that Abraham Lincoln was indeed the Union's moral center but that the Southern aristocracy & general population, not leader Jefferson Davis, were the moral centers for the Confederacy. It is suggested that national intelligence agencies should identify a target group's moral center before initiating military actions. J. W. Parker

AbstractThis study integrates development aid into a theoretically founded structural gravity model that considers primary and secondary effects of aid as an income transfer and as a bilateral trade cost determinant. We identify the parameters of our model using a two‐stage approach that includes a state‐of‐the‐art Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood gravity estimation for a sample of 132 countries over the period 1995 to 2012. The main findings indicate that bilateral aid only increases bilateral trade for countries that do not have a common language, a past colonial relationship or an RTA. On average, 1 USD of additional foreign aid from all donors increases recipients' net imports by around 0.36 USD. Our comparative statics indicate that donors experience a reduction in real consumption due to aid and recipients an increase. We also analyze the effect on third countries. The modelling framework also applies to the study of other transfers such as remittances.